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COPPERS launched an investigation today after a video of far-right activist Tommy Robinson apparently inside the Old Bailey was posted on Twitter.
The video, viewed 160,000 times, emerged after the far-right demagogue’s ongoing trial for contempt of court was adjourned again at the Old Bailey in London.
Ezra Levant, a reporter for the right-wing Rebel Media organisation, posted the video believed to have been made in the canteen on the Old Bailey's second floor.
It is a criminal offence to film or photograph people within court precincts.
Mr Robinson, charged under his real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, sat with his legal team outside the dock of the courtroom during the 20-minute hearing.
Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC told the court that he would deliver his judgement on how the case should proceed in mid to late October.
It is expected that a rehearing of the contempt allegations against Mr Robinson will be heard at a later date.
Hundreds of the former English Defence League leader’s supporters gathered outside the court carrying Union and St George's flags as they chanted his name.
Protesters from anti-racism organisations held a counter-demonstration nearby.
Stand Up To Racism co-convener Weyman Bennett said the far-right movement was trying to use the “free Tommy” campaign to expand its support base.
“They look at the success of racist and fascist forces across Europe and want to do the same here,” he said.
“We will not allow racist and fascist extremists to use the retrial to build support and put across their message of hate.”
Mr Bennett vowed that anti-fascists would continue to gather outside the Old Bailey during the hearings to oppose Mr Robinson’s “message of racism, Islamophobia and hate.”
He said: "We must send a clear anti-racist message of unity against attempts to divide our communities."
Mr Robinson, who poses as a defender of free speech, was released last month on conditional bail from a 13-month prison sentence.
Speaking to reporters outside the court after the hearing, he accused the justice system of targeting him for his politics, saying: “I believe they want me in prison for Christmas.”
